Horse around at the Harmony Equine Center open house and adoption day
By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of the Dumb Friends League
Horse lovers of all ages are invited to the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center on Saturday, June 4, for its fifth annual open house and adoption day. This free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Harmony Equine Center (HEC), located at 5540 E. Highway 86, just west of Franktown. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the facility, as well as meet horses available for adoption. There will be games and activities for kids and refreshments from local food truck vendors.
Professional horse trainer Brent Winston will present demonstrations throughout the day. Topics include how to trailer-load a horse, how to prepare your horse for riding season, horse ownership 101, and how the HEC trains formerly abused and neglected horses so they are ready for adoption. In addition, guests will be able to watch horses complete an obstacle course used for training and enrichment.
“This is a great opportunity for the public to see the work we’re doing to rehabilitate formerly abused or neglected equines, and also for them to witness first hand that rescued horses make wonderful horses,” said Garret Leonard, director of the HEC. 
Visitors will have the chance to observe horse training demonstrations while learning about horse ownership.
This summer, the HEC will offer an Equine Exploration Camp for third, fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Students will spend two days at the HEC learning about all things horse from hay to z! Through interactive hands-on activities, campers will gain knowledge about horse anatomy, body language, markings and more. Students will also learn how they can help homeless equines in Colorado.
Since opening in 2012, the HEC has provided care to more than 700 formerly abused and neglected horses and other equines. It is a private rehabilitation and adoption facility for horses, ponies, donkeys and mules that have been removed from owners’ care by law enforcement authorities. The HEC also serves as a centralized hub where horses from humane societies and rescue groups in the Midwest and southwestern United States can receive training and re-homing. Adoption days are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment.
To learn more about the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center or to see horses available for adoption, visit ddfl.org/equine or call 303-751-5772.
